I did some work on the boat today, mostly cleaning and going through the electrical and pluming systems to see what works and what needs to be fixed. I did not feel like dragging the hose out to the boat and running it so I did not mess with the cold start issue. I too boat in the summer time and the choke could probably be by passed, but with this bigger cabin boat we may keep it in the water longer and get some fall usage out of her so it would be best if the choke worked.
There are a few items that need to be address before spring launch, most importantly I have noticed that a couple of bow rail stanchions are loose and need to be tightened, however the worst 2 are buried behind storage shelves on the inside and for the life of me I can not seem to figure out how Sea Ray assembled this thing. I will figure it out and get the wife to come out and get her hands dirty helping. This is a safety thing and it is important that the boat is safe. Next on the priority list is replacing the main power cables from the battery to the switch with the new ones I have. Another Item high on the list is the bow mounted deck plate into the anchor locker, it is completely trashed from 26 years of UV beating on it. Also on the priority list is to get the trip tab pump installed and wired. I need to drag an extension cord out to the boat to see what happens when I plug in shore power (batter charger, refrigerator, and 110 outlets). I also have a Lowrance HDS5 GPS and transucer that I picked up used last spring that needs to be installed. The last must do is to replace the wood in the panel and pull out seat that goes along the back, the panel is completely rotten and when my friend sat in the seat it make some noises like is was not to healthy either. Here this photo shows the rear seat the panel that needs to be replace surrounds this seat all the way across the back. The part that is rotten the worst is on top behind the back rest cushion.
I am sure I will find a few other item to add to this list.
Then there is the I would like to list which include fixing the 2 cabin lights that don't work, replace cockpit speaker grills, upgrade to modern stereo with bluetooth (it's got a cassette player
), test/repair fresh water system, replace crusty looking plastic thru hull fittings (qty 9), install either a port-o-potty or maybe a permanent head with holding tank, purchase a new or used bimini and make a new plastic face for instrument panel.
These items should keep me plenty busy, now if work did not get in my way and funds were unlimited all would be done by the end of October. LOL
I would love to find a Bravo 3 but right now I need to use what I got and B3 drive and prop set would most likely use up my 2017 slip budget. If this boat were a small block like my friends a B3 would definitely be on the must have list. As I stated in my previous post the 7.4 L make this a totally different boat than my friends identical but 5.7L/Alpha powered Sundancer 250. Have a great night
